The mere sight of a hammock gently swaying in the breeze spells instant relaxation. If you’ve been eyeing photos of hammocks on Houzz but aren’t quite sure which one is right for you, read on to get the lowdown on the main types of hammocks, where to hang them and how to get the most out of your hammock chill time.

Rope hammock with spreader bars. This classic style is easy to get into (and out of) and, thanks to the spreader bars that keep the hammock open, larger models can seat two. If you want a classic hammock look and have ample room to set this type up, it could be just the hammock for you.

Fabric hammock with spreader bars. Similar to the previous hammock but made from a solid piece of fabric, this style can be easier for children to use, as they won’t get little hands and feet tangled in the rope. If you’re planning to leave your fabric hammock exposed to the elements, look for one made from a weather-resistant material to help it last longer — and do try to take it down before rainstorms so water doesn’t pool in it.

Gathered-end hammock. Mayan-, Brazilian- and Nicaraguan-style hammocks all feature gathered ends, which make for a deeper, more secure seat.

Mayan-style hammocks are woven from string for a springy, contouring feel. Nicaraguan- and Brazilian-style hammocks (like the one shown here) may have a woven or fabric body and are sometimes embellished with macramé and fringe.

The gathered style takes up less space than spreader-bar hammocks and can easily be taken down when not in use.

Between two trees. A hammock swaying between two trees is an icon of relaxation, and with good reason: The trees make for easy setup and offer built-in shade to boot. If you have a pair of sturdy trees about 12 feet apart and at least 12 inches in diameter, you’re in business.

Hammock stand. No trees in sight? No problem. Opt for a hammock with a stand and you can plunk it down anywhere you have some space. Hammock stands are sturdy and comfortable, but the frame does require significant storage space, so keep that in mind before you shop.

On the porch. Hanging your hammock on the porch offers shade and convenience: Just walk out the door and plop yourself down.

To set up a hammock on the porch, you’ll need two walls or pillars to anchor the ends. If your porch is small, consider going with a gathered-end hammock instead of a spreader-bar style — the former can hang lower to the ground, which means the anchor points can be a bit closer together than with spreader-bar hammocks.

Under a pergola. Wish you could create your own backyard getaway? A pergola designed to hold a gently swaying hammock could be just the thing. Leave it bare or train climbing plants to cover it for a lush look.

When built from scratch, a pergola is significantly more expensive than a hammock stand — but if you’re lucky enough to have an existing pergola, hanging a hammock from it can be a low-budget transformation.

Screened-in porch. If bugs are making your would-be outdoor nap an exercise in torture, you might want to put your hammock in a bug-free location. A screened-in porch, where you can still enjoy the fresh air and breeze but without the bugs, is ideal.

Test before you buy. If you can, visit a shop that lets you test out different hammock styles before you make a purchase. Alternatively, see if any of your friends, family or neighbors have hammocks and make a point of hopping in the next time you visit. The main thing to figure out is whether you prefer a spreader-bar or gathered-end hammock.

Consider shade. Reading or napping in your hammock won’t be nearly as appealing if it’s baking in full sun.

Pay attention to your yard throughout the day to find a spot that gets ample shade. Beneath a tree, near a fence, at the side of the house or on a porch all offer some relief from the heat and UV rays.

Add night lighting. If you enjoy relaxing in your hammock as the sun dips below the horizon, it’s worth investing in a few strands of string lights to boost the evening ambiance. (Be sure your lights don’t intrude on your neighbors’ enjoyment of the dark, and turn them off when you go inside.) A few solar garden lights on stakes in the surrounding beds or hurricane lanterns on the ground can also provide a soothing glow.

I love hammock chairs (picture 4). Easier to get in & out of, they take up much less space and since they hang from above don't require 2 supports necessary to hang a regular hammock. Though the one in the photo is fabric, they are often made from woven string which gives much more ventilation if your location is hot. You can't tip out & kids love to spin in them. They come in at least 2 sizes...in the larger size an adult can stretch out their legs. We have both types but I find myself always choosing the hammock chair.

We have 2 ENO double-hammocks hanging under some trees in our yard. I asked for another for my birthday recently since we enjoyed and used the first one so much, often having to wait for our turn. (Not so relaxing for the person in the hammock.) We found the ENOs at REI in various colors. They are super comfortable and my husband and I can grab naps alone or together, cuddle or play with our granddaughter who loves to swing in them as hard as she can. We have ropes attached to nearby trees for pulling ourselves so we can swing and rock ourselves to sleep if we desire. I totally agree with one piece of advice in the article: make sure you hang them in shade so you can relax and even nap. Also, I’d recommend purchasing the straps for hanging the hammocks on the trees; they make hanging the hammocks super simple and are worth the additional cost. Additionally, the ENOs collapse really small into their own attached bag and we’ve also taken them hiking and camping. Perfect for two to sit in and chat or take a quick nap. (Also they are easy to take down if it rains hard. They do dry quickly, I just don’t like to wait for them to dry.) I like things to be easy and multi-functional and these are. (I even washed mine at the end of the season before putting it away and it came out great!) We love our hammocks, and think everyone needs a good cuddle on one.